Pharmacy
Most of us probably picture a pharmacist as the person behind the prescription counter of a large chain pharmacy or the person running the corner drug store. However, in addition to careers in the retail setting, pharmacists can also work in research and development within the pharmaceutical industry or the clinical setting; working closely with healthcare providers and patients.
What do pharmacists do?
- Fill prescriptions, verifying instructions from physicians on the proper amounts of medication to give to patients
- Check whether prescriptions will interact negatively with other drugs that a patient is taking or any medical conditions the patient has
- Instruct patients on how and when to take prescribed medicine and inform them about potential side effects they may experience from taking the medicine
- Give flu shots and, in most states, other vaccinations
- Advise patients about general health topics, such as diet, exercise, and managing stress, and on other issues, such as what equipment or supplies would be best to treat a health problem
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Pre-Pharmacy Requirements
Prerequisites: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Course Requirements Chart and Pharmacy School Admissions Requirements (PSAR)
Application: PharmCAS
Entrance Exam: Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)
Pharmacy Education
Degree: Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
Years of Study: 3-4 years of professional pharmacy study